
Astead Herndon
Host and Editorial Director
As a host and editorial director at Vox, Astead Herndon helps lead politics coverage across text, video, audio, and social media platforms. Herndon comes to Vox from the New York Times, where he distinguished himself as a sharp, accessible voice on American politics, hosting The Run-Up podcast and reporting stories in text, audio, and video formats. His reporting is known for translating complex political dynamics into clear, nuanced stories that resonated with both political insiders and those outside the political bubble.
Herndon has been named the 2025 Journalist of the Year by the National Association of Black Journalists, and he also won the Distinguished Journalist Award from DePaul University in 2025. He lives in Brooklyn.
Latest articles by Astead Herndon


Progressive caucus chair Rep. Greg Casar on his movement’s new playbook.


250 years on, how’s America doing?


An interview with the senator Swalwell called his “best friend.”


The messy politics of immigration reform, explained.


Introducing America, Actually — a new kind of political podcast for a country redefining itself.


Sen. Chris Murphy explains how blatant corruption is undermining faith in democracy.


He’s wanted regime change for 20 years. But not like this.


The former House speaker on the midterms, Trump, and democracy.


It would give $3,000 to every American in a household earning less than $150,000.


Why Rep. Ro Khanna isn’t done talking about the Epstein files.